Description

Silybum Marianum Callus Extract is derived from the callus tissue of the milk thistle plant (Silybum marianum). This extract is known for its rich content of bioactive compounds, primarily silymarin, which is a complex of flavonolignans including silibinin, silidianin, and silicristin. It is used for its purported benefits in skincare, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Chemical Composition and Structure:
The principal active components of Silybum Marianum Callus Extract are flavonolignans, with silymarin being the most significant. The silymarin complex consists of three main flavonoids:

Silibinin: The major component, known for its high potency and efficacy.
Silidianin: Another flavonoid contributing to the extract's antioxidant properties.
Silicristin: Completes the flavonolignan complex with its unique bioactivity profile.

These compounds share a common structure featuring a flavone backbone with various hydroxyl groups and a methoxy group, contributing to their biological activities.

Physical Properties:
The extract is typically a brownish or yellowish powder or liquid, depending on the extraction method. It is soluble in ethanol and various organic solvents but is less soluble in water. The extract has a characteristic odor and can vary in consistency, ranging from a fine powder to a viscous liquid.

Production Process:

Cultivation: Milk thistle plants are grown under controlled conditions to ensure the quality of the callus tissue.
Callus Induction: Plant callus tissue is induced from explants (plant parts) using specific growth media in vitro.
Extraction: The callus tissue is harvested and subjected to extraction using solvents such as ethanol, methanol, or a combination of solvents. Advanced techniques like ultrasonic extraction or supercritical fluid extraction may be employed to enhance yield and purity.
Purification: The extract is then purified to isolate and concentrate the silymarin components. This may involve techniques such as chromatography.
Formulation: The purified extract is formulated into various products for application.

Applications:

Cosmetics: Used in skincare products for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-soothing properties. It is often included in anti-aging creams, serums, and lotions.
Pharmaceuticals: Explored for its potential in liver health supplements due to its hepatoprotective effects.
Functional Foods: Incorporated into dietary supplements for its purported health benefits.

Environmental and Safety Considerations:

Environmental Impact: The production process should adhere to sustainable practices to minimize ecological impact. Proper disposal of solvents and waste materials is crucial.
Safety: Generally regarded as safe for topical application. However, like all extracts, it should be used in accordance with established guidelines to avoid potential allergic reactions or skin irritations. Safety assessments are required for any new formulations or high concentrations.

INCI Functions:


Skin conditioning agent - Emollient. Emollients have the characteristic of enhancing the skin barrier through a source of exogenous lipids that adhere to the skin, improving barrier properties by filling gaps in intercorneocyte clusters to improve hydration while protecting against inflammation. In practice, they have the ability to create a barrier that prevents transepidermal water loss. Emollients are described as degreasing or refreshing additives that improve the lipid content of the upper layers of the skin by preventing degreasing and drying of the skin. The problem with emollients is that many have a strong lipophilic character and are identified as occlusive ingredients; they are oily and fatty materials that remain on the skin surface and reduce transepidermal water loss. In cosmetics, emollients and moisturisers are often considered synonymous with humectants and occlusives.

Skin conditioning agent. It is the mainstay of topical skin treatment as it has the function of restoring, increasing or improving skin tolerance to external factors, including melanocyte tolerance. The most important function of the conditioning agent is to prevent skin dehydration, but the subject is rather complex and involves emollients and humectants that can be added in the formulation.

Skin protectant. It creates a protective barrier on the skin to defend it from harmful substances, irritants, allergens, pathogens that can cause various inflammatory conditions. These products can also improve the natural skin barrier and in most cases more than one is needed to achieve an effective result.
Synonyms:

CAS: 84604-20-6 EC number 283-298-7